Korean Dictionary
How to say "Gimbap" in Korean
“Gimbap” in Korean is 김밥 (pronounced "Gimbap").
김밥
Gimbap
Usage & Context
Korean rice rolls made with seasoned rice, vegetables, and protein wrapped in dried seaweed (gim). Often compared to Japanese sushi but distinct in flavor and preparation. A popular lunch, picnic food, and convenience store staple throughout Korea.
Example Sentence
소풍 갈 때는 김밥을 싸서 가요.
When going on a picnic, we pack gimbap.
How to use 김밥 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Gimbap” is 김밥, romanized as Gimbap.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 김밥.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 'Gim', sounds like 'gim' in 'gimmick', with a hard 'g' sound. The second syllable, 'bap', rhymes with 'pop' or 'mop', but with a 'b' sound at the beginning. When spoken quickly, the 'b' can sound closer to a 'p', almost like 'gim-pahp'.
More Example Sentences
Quick breakfast.
아침 식사로 김밥 한 줄 사 먹었어요.
I bought and ate one roll of gimbap for breakfast.
Outdoor activities.
김밥은 소풍이나 운동회 갈 때 최고예요.
Gimbap is the best for picnics or sports days.
Ordering food.
참치김밥이랑 치즈김밥 중에 뭐가 더 좋아요?
Which do you prefer, tuna gimbap or cheese gimbap?
Cultural Context
Gimbap is a beloved and versatile Korean staple, often called 'Korean sushi' but distinct in flavor and preparation. It's a popular grab-and-go meal, picnic food, and school lunchbox item. There are countless varieties, from classic (original) gimbap to more elaborate versions like tuna gimbap (참치김밥), cheese gimbap (치즈김밥), or even fried gimbap (튀김김밥). It's a convenient and delicious way to get a balanced meal.
Editorial note
We review entries like 김밥 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
김밥 한 줄 주세요.
Please give me one roll of gimbap.
김밥은 어떤 종류가 있어요?
What kinds of gimbap do you have?
김밥이랑 떡볶이 같이 먹으면 맛있어요.
Gimbap and tteokbokki are delicious together.
Related Expressions
김
Gim
Dried seaweed (main wrapper)
밥
Bap
Cooked rice (main filling)
주먹밥
Jumeokbap
Rice balls
롤
Rol
Roll (general term for rolled food)
More Food Words
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